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Omega 3 Fatty Acids:

The Omega-3 fatty acids are a key nutrient in cognition for felines. They are essential for felines as they cannot be synthesized naturally and must be obtained from the diet. Omega-3 fatty acids that support brain development and function are alpha-linolenic acid, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Fish oils, fish and other marine sources provide a very rich source of DHA and EPA [1]. Alpha-linolenic acid can be acquired from oils and seeds [1].

In kittens and juvenile felines, omega-3 fatty acids are very important for the development of the brain, components of the nervous system and retinal accretion. . In the group that fed low concentrations of omega-3 fatty acid and omega-6 fatty acid, their kittens had extremely low amounts of DHA in these tissues which shows that young felines, have poor biosynthetic ability to produce these fatty acids [2]. This study also showed hindered brain waves in kittens whose mother were fed low omega 3 and omega 6 diets which is a significant indicator, that these fatty acids aid in the development of the feline brain at a juvenile stage [2].

Though no studies in cats have been completed, it was found that rats with low levels of omega-3 fatty acids resulted in a decrease of glucose uptake in the brain [3].